Materials and their uses
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why different objects are made from different materials depending on their use.
Key learning points
- A material is what an object is made from.
- Some common materials are wood, metal, plastic, glass, brick, rock, paper, fabric and cardboard.
- The describing words we use for a material are called its properties.
- Objects are made from different materials depending on their use.
Keywords
Object - An object is something you can touch but something that is not usually a living thing.
Compare - We compare things by looking at what is the same and what is different.
Material - A material is what an object is made from. An object can be made from more than one material.
Describe - When we describe, we say or write what someone or something is like.
Properties - The describing words we use for a material are called its properties.
Common misconception
Pupils may instinctively classify objects by observational similarities or through knowledge of use rather than by the material from which the objects are made.
Examples of different objects made from different materials to promote discussion of the properties of materials.
Teacher tip
Provide plenty of opportunities for pupils to explore real objects and use new vocabulary in a meaningful context. This lesson contains a diagnostic question on slide 21 - see additional materials for further guidance.
Equipment
A collection of everyday objects made from common materials would be helpful for children to explore.
Content guidance
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is an object?
Q2.Which of these is not a material?
Q3.Which of these objects is made from plastic?
Q4.Which of these objects is made from wood?
Q5.True or false? All objects are only made from one material.
Q6.Which of these statements is true?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are objects made from?
Q2.Which of these is a material?
Q3.What do we call words that describe materials?
Q4.Which of these are properties of materials?
Q5.When we compare objects, we ask two questions. The first question is what is the same. What is the second question?
Q6.Objects are made from different materials depending on their use. Why is this chair made from metal?
To help you plan your 2 science lesson on: Materials and their uses, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 science lesson on: Materials and their uses, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 science lessons from the Uses of everyday materials unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.